Norris, a junior from Las Vegas, averaged 18.2 reception yards/game through 13 games last season. He grabbed 23 receptions for 237 yards and led the Thunderbirds in receiving touchdowns with four.

The initial watch list includes 36 tight ends vying for the top tight end award in the Football Championship Subdivision. All players are eligible for awards at their respective positions; players are not preemptively eliminated from consideration.

The goal of College Football Performance Awards is to provide the most scientifically rigorous conferments in college football. Recipients are selected exclusively based upon objective scientific rankings of the extent to which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their teams. Twenty-eight CFPA winners have been first-round NFL Draft selections.

Founded in 2008, CFPA is in its seventh season of recognition, utilizing objective rankings from its player and team performance index across offense, defense, and special teams.

Last season, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston earned the CFPA National Performer of the Year Trophy for the FBS, while Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams earned the CFPA FCS National Performer of the Year Trophy.

CFPA Trophy winner and former South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was the first overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft.

The full list of 2014 CFPA winners will be announced January 14, 2015.